WILL - Women Interested in Leaving Law
The WILL Podcast - For Women Lawyers Searching for Freedom, Flexibility and Fulfilment. Are you tired of having to “always be available,” the anxiety, and a nagging sense that something is missing? The WILL Podcast offers an honest exploration for how to find relief, meaning and work that allows you to enjoy your life, (without throwing away all you’ve invested). This podcast is for any woman lawyer who has ever questioned if they want to stay in law or not. Here you’ll find a window into how others have dealt with the money, identity and figured out what else they could do (in law or out). Each episode is a journey into the lives of women lawyers who got fed up with the status quo. You’ll hear about persistent doubt, piles of debt, and physical and mental depletion. Our guests reveal how they navigated the expectations of workplace cultures and inner critics that keep them isolated and wondering “what’s wrong with me.” You’ll hear conversations not being shared beyond a whisper in the halls of big law. You’ll discover: * Inspirational stories of lawyers who’ve redefined success on their own terms * Strategies to overcome the common career pitfalls women lawyers get stuck in * Ideas for how to realign work with your deepest values and aspirations Hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst, the WILL Podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire a movement. With WILL Alumni and Guests breaking the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too. If you think, “I’ve got to get out of here, but I don’t know what else to do, and I’m trepidatious,” you’ve found a sanctuary. WILL is where doubt transforms into daring, and frustration becomes freedom. WILL Book a Consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com Follow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Listen on:
Episodes
3 hours ago
3 hours ago
Imagine you’re in a workplace where you know you’re not capitalizing on the best of what you have to offer. You're a creative relationship-builder and feel stymied by the billable hour. Your current workplace isn't cutting it.
You’re working in law, but not doing work that’s aligned with your values and making a difference in the lives of others.
Sound familiar?
Rachel Clar's journey out of law started when she realized that a traditional law environment “created a rage inside”. She knew she wasn't living her fullest expression.
In order to venture from her soul, she utilized her natural curiosity to:
Leverage her strength in networking to build connections.
Develop self-awareness, confidence and respect.
Deconstruct fear-based perfectionism and workaholism.
It was at this point that she cracked the code from the inside and founded Interconnected Us, to help women lawyers:
Optimize their network.
Go from invisible to making waves.
Look inward and around themselves to facilitate core inner work.
Listen in as Rachel talks through her journey from unhappy lawyer to aligned and mission-driven entrepreneur!
Connect with Rachel
Website: https://www.interconnectedus.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelclar/
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
References
Self Compassion by Krisin Neff: https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Self_Compassion/PDAEzLL9mscC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT1&printsec=frontcover
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Imagine a lifetime of pressure, conditioning and the internal critic saying: “work harder” “be perfect” and “you’re not good enough.”
This is on top of having a brain tumor and near death experience at 17, then losing your father at age 26.
Add in a lawyer practice in big law and the pressure to perform which ultimately leads to a breaking point. In desperation, you search “Career coaches for women lawyers” on Google in the hope of finding relief.
Imagine the very day you have your consultation with Elena, there’s a panel of WILL Alumni talking about taking a leave of absence - and you enroll on the spot.
Meredith Eng generously shares her WILL journey with all the lows and highs including:
How witnessing the vulnerability of other women lawyers gave her relief.
Her decision to live a ‘full and expressive life’ while floating in the ocean.
How she decided to take a big leap and leave big law BEFORE finding her right fit role.
Mostly, hear from Meredith about how she learned to set boundaries and finally decide that her life is worth putting first.
Connect with Meredith
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mereditheng/
Instagram: @mereditheeng
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
References
Wilder A. Clements
Wilder A. Clements brings experienced and value-driven counsel to purpose-driven businesses and organizations with challenging employment law questions.
Clements Employment Law https://www.clementsemploymentlaw.com/
WILL Transform
Meredith chose the Transform VIP program, which included 1:1 coaching with Elena Deutsch. The WILL Transform Program is a comprehensive 6-month program designed specifically for busy women lawyers. It provides the support you need to make a meaningful career change. Learn more here: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/services/
WILL Mastermind
Based on the book 'Burnout', by the Nagoski Sisters
About understanding burnout with activities around this.
WILL Creator's Circle
The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron led by Elena Deutsch. The Creators Circle opens one time per year. It’s open to both lawyers, former lawyers and non-lawyers.
WILL Evolve
Continuation program for WILL Alum, to support their ongoing journey
and to avoid backsliding.
WILL Podcast
Boundary Practice episode
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boundary-setting-practice-for-women-lawyers/id1781037581?i=1000679460040.
Jessica Meddina
Financial councillor that helps lawyers create financial plans.
Works closely with WILL members.
https://www.jessicamedinallc.com.
Helena Bonham Carter, poetryhttps://www.instagram.com/reel/C5qXDx4oOnx/
One precious life
Book of poems called ‘This Wild and Precious Life: A Journal’ by Mary Oliver.
https://www.amazon.com/This-Wild-Precious-Life-Journal/dp/0593580281.
Jenny McKee
A WILL Alum that switched from lawyer to being an astrologer.
Her astrology website is Sky Whispers Astrology and she is available for readings.
https://skywhispersastrology.com.
Anne Marie Segal
Master the Interview, by Anne Marie Segal.
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Friday Mar 28, 2025
Imagine practicing law and realizing that as your supposedly indestructible office plant is dying, part of you is too.
You fear making a change because of all you’ve invested in your education, financially and time-wise.
Imagine having exploratory conversations that lead you full circle from your dying plant to your career as a Death Doula and End-of-Life Planner ⚰️.
Listen in as Marni Blank describes her ‘round-about’ journey and how she:
Proved she could take that leap to start off as an entrepreneur.
Utilized her skills as a lawyer in order to do what she loves in business.
Shifted her mindset to feeling confident that she could figure out what to do (even while not knowing).
Connect with Marni
Website: https://beginwiththeend.co
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marni-blank-esq-a335b28/
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
References
Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir written in 2006 by Elizabeth Gilbert. It tells the
story of a woman who embarks on a spiritual quest overseas to find inner peace and love.
The Death Deck, The Conversation Project https://thedeathdeck.com/
The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation?
Takeaways
Grounding practices can enhance presence in conversations.
Transitioning from law to entrepreneurship can be challenging but rewarding.
Financial concerns often hinder career changes, but mental health is paramount.
Personal experiences can significantly influence career paths.
Death Doulas provide emotional, practical, and spiritual support.
Planning for end-of-life wishes is crucial for families.
Not all Death Doulas have the same focus or services.
It's important to have conversations about death and planning with loved ones.
Being prepared can alleviate stress during difficult times.
The role of a death doula can vary widely based on individual practice. It's important to have practical plans in place for end-of-life situations.
Conversations about death should be normalized within families.
Organizing digital life is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition for loved ones.
Legal skills can be leveraged in non-traditional career paths.
Embracing change can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
Life is short; prioritize what brings you joy and meaning.
Creating legacy projects can help families remember their loved ones.
Progress over perfection is key in planning and organization.
Engaging in conversations about death can strengthen family bonds.
Being prepared can alleviate stress for loved ones during difficult times.
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Imagine being pregnant, parenting a toddler and working full time, while knowing your legal job was NOT one you could continue in.
Even with everything else going on in her life, Leah Frankel joined WILL, and treated it like another top priority.
Leah tackled her experience with curiosity, openness and candor.
Listen in as she talks through:
Her time in WILL Transform and how she treated it as a top priority.
All of her twists and turns that included three big potential career ideas.
How she mastered building connections on LinkedIn, bringing her closer to her dream job.
Socials:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-frankel/
References
WILL Transform is a six-month comprehensive program designed to help you clarify your career direction and be on the path to achieve it.
It includes:
Personal Coaching: 1:1 private coaching, either with Elena or one of the WILL Coaches.
Community Support: Structured opportunities to connect with like-minded women lawyers in our supportive WILL Community. Enjoy 2x month LIVE Community Calls with Elena, and continue to expand your network in our PRIVATE virtual Member & Alumni group (to which you get lifetime access!)
On-Demand Course and LIVE Learning: Be guided step-by-step through the WILL Transform course, to which you have 24/7 access, plus LIVE workshops, and calls with Guest Speakers and WILL Alumni
Anne Marie Segal https://annemariesegal.com/trusted-professionals/
The 4th Floor organisation, New York https://www.careergroupcompanies.com/fourth-floor
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Is falling asleep with your phone in your hand happening all too often?
Do you find yourself doomscrolling or numbing out for hours on socials?
You’re not alone.
Cell phone addiction is a challenge that we’re all dealing with.
In this short episode, I share my struggles and offer:
An honest understanding of phone addiction
The effect it has on our brains
A framework for how to manage it, called ‘The four Ds’
Want to figure out what you stand to gain by putting the phone down?
Listen to this episode.
References
Trigger Warning: Anxiety, mental health. Elena is not a licensed mental health professional. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, then we recommend talking to a health professional.
The Drew Barrymore Show - with guest, Gwyneth Paltrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6eBWhofqS8.
Dan Harris, Founder of 10% Happier and book of the same name.
Creator's Circle exercise from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Friday Feb 14, 2025
Imagine you're a litigation #lawyer at a #biglaw firm, progressing towards partner.
You get married, become pregnant with your first, then second child, and take your
maternity leaves.
When you return to work, you find most of your files given away, and you are faced with building up your caseload all over again.
But before you can do that, your firm merges with another firm and you are let go. In a panic you accept the first job offer you get.
Then one day in the doctor’s office, pregnant with child number three, you break down in tears, diagnosed with depression and immediately know what needs to change.
What would you do?
Erin Cowling's story hits all these highs and lows, including:
The identity dilemma of working as a lawyer
Being a working mom while trying to build your legal career
Anxiety that’s becoming so common for lawyers
Tune in to find out what happened after the doctor’s visit!
Connect with Erin
Web: www.flexlegalnetwork.com
Instagram: @erinccowling
Trigger Warning: Anxiety, mental health. Elena is not a licensed mental health professional. If you are experiencing significant anxiety, then we recommend talking to a health professional.
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Imagine you have a nascent dream of being a writer instead of an associate drowning in M&A deals. Imagine you whisper your dream out loud to your coach, and have it met with delight and full belief in your ability to make it happen.
Imagine a few short years later, you hold your first published book in your hands, and marvel at how much your life has changed.
You went from despair in big law to being a PUBLISHED AUTHOR.
This is the journey Leah Jennings went on. In this episode of the WILL Podcast, listen in on the book launch party Elena Deutsch, Founder of WILL threw for Leah upon the release of her first novel: Angel Eyes from the Paris in a Heartbeat series.
Leah’s journey in this podcast covers:
How she went from doubting she’d ever leave big law to stepping out.
How the Creator’s Circle helped her become more honest about who she is and isn’t.
How she became a published author!
Follow Leah
Website: https://elliejennings.com/
Instagram: @authorelliejennings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556516636947
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0CX2Y45CP?ingress=0&visitId=cb7536d2-b511-4b81-a34b-42a74df3e9fc&ref_=pe_2466670_811284380
References
The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron led by Elena Deutsch. The Creators Circle opens one time per year. It’s open to both lawyers, former lawyers and non-lawyers.
If you’re interested, in receiving more information: email Support@womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Listen here to see you’re not alone if you’ve got a nasty inner critic.
Women lawyers can speak harshly to themselves, honed by years of perfectionism and working in “mistakes aren’t allowed” cultures.
If this rings true, in this podcast you'll learn how to mitigate your nasty inner dialogue. 🎧 How to notice and recognize your inner critic, as separate from YOU. 🎧 The legal culture can foster already held tendencies of self-criticism. 🎧 What if your inner critic can be seen as a part of you, not an enemy. [WHAT?!?]
If you enjoy this podcast, please follow, rate and leave a review.
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a legal career coach and catalyst for women lawyers looking to have freedom, flexibility and fulfillment in their work and lives.
Listen in and see that change is not just possible for others, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your Personalized Career Assessment Call with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Friday Jan 03, 2025
Imagine you’re happy as a lawyer, yet feel that your creativity is stifled.
Or that you can’t be creative as a lawyer as it doesn’t ‘fit’ what a lawyer should be.
Kyla Denanyoh showcased her efficiency and project management skills so well that while on maternity leave, she rendered her role obsolete.
Instead of fear, Kyla was excited about moving forward in her side hustle - Podcasting and YouTubing, because a stream of sponsorships proved that she could make money non-lawyering.
Now a seasoned podcaster with over 130 episodes and a salary from sponsorships, Kyla embodies the ‘multipotentialite’ (someone with many skillsets and role options).
Listen in as Kyla:
Uses her challenge with the typical stereotype of ‘lawyer’ to lean into a creative identity.
Dives into a selection of books that confirm you can make money from any job.
Flips the narrative of lawyers not being risk-takers.
Switches her mindset from being a task-based earner to a value-based earner.
Follow Kyla
Podcast: ‘More than a Lawyer’ https://www.youarealawyer.com/
Website: Kyla Denanyoh | Storyteller & Strategist
Instagram: Kyla Denanyoh (@mrsdenanyoh)
References
Book: 'We should all be millionaires' - Rachel Rogers.
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw
Web: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
Thursday Dec 19, 2024
How does one go from being a stuck and unhappy long time lawyer to practicing astrologer?
Well if you’re Jenny McKee of Sky Whispers Astrology, you lean into your strengths, surround yourself with community and take it one slow step at a time.
In this episode Jenny details her journey through WILL programs as she expanded her self-knowledge and trust.
As a listener of the WILL podcast you cannot only hear about her journey, but experience her work for yourself! She shares a generous 15% savings coupon when you use the code WILL when you book any session or package with her. All the details below.
On a personal note, I am so appreciative to Jenny for sharing her journey and for the years of our work together. She showcases an example of what’s possible, not just for her, but for you too.
Have a listen.
Where to find Jenny:
To learn more about working with Jenny go to: www.skywhispersastrology.com
Use the code: ‘WILL’ on any purchases and save 15%!
Email: Jenny@skywhispersastrology
Show notes:
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
WILL Programs mentioned:
The foundational WILL program Jenny started with was called WILL Step-by-Step and is now WILL Transform.
WILL programs Jenny also participated in, and mentions:
The Creator’s Circle - a small-group journey through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.
WILLpreneurs - a small group for women lawyers who want to start their own businesses.
To be notified of when these programs open next, email Support@womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com
Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
Jenny’s Mentors:
Home - Tom Jacobs
About Debra Anne Clement – Debra Clement Astrologer
The WILL Podcast is hosted by Elena Deutsch, a dedicated legal career coach and catalyst. This podcast is more than a good listen — it may inspire you. As WILL Alumni and Guests break the confines of traditional practice, you’ll see that change is not just possible for them, but for you too.
Feel stuck, unhappy and ready to explore a WILL journey of your own?
Book your consultation with Elena: https://womeninterestedinleavinglaw.com/book-a-call
Follow
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-deutsch/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/womeninterestedinleavinglaw